Sharks and LIfeguards

Name and Purpose

• Sharks and Lifeguards uses a parachute to build anticipation, quick reactions, and group awareness.
• Players practise reading body language, moving thoughtfully in a shared space, and supporting each other.

a.k.a.

• Parachute Sharks

Age / Group / Time / Space

• Ages 7-12 | 8-20 players | 10-20 minutes | Indoor gym or sheltered outdoor flat space

Materials

• 1 parachute (standard camp size)
• Coloured wristbands or bandanas to identify Sharks and Lifeguards (optional)
• Flat, clear floor space with no sharp edges or obstacles

Quick-Run Card

1. Lay out the parachute. Players sit around the edge with legs extended under the fabric.
2. One player volunteers as the Shark (under the parachute). One volunteers as the Lifeguard (standing outside).
3. The Shark gently grips an ankle to signal a ‘pull.’ That player slides under and becomes a Shark.
4. The Lifeguard taps a pulled-under player on the shoulder to rescue them. They become a Lifeguard.
5. Whistle ends the round. Count each team.

Setup and Boundaries

• Lay the parachute on a flat, clear surface with no tripping hazards nearby.
• Signal: 1 short whistle = pause all movement; 2 whistles = stop and gather.
• Players sitting at the edge keep their legs relaxed, not locked rigid.
• Staff should be aware of any campers with sensory sensitivities to enclosed spaces or unexpected touch.

How to Play

1. Players sit evenly spaced around the parachute edge with legs under the fabric.
2. The Shark moves slowly under the parachute and gently grips one player’s ankle.
3. That player slides carefully under the parachute and joins the Shark team.
4. The Lifeguard circles the outside, watches for movement under the fabric, and taps rescued players on the shoulder.
5. Rescued players slide back out and stand as Lifeguards.
6. As the Shark team grows, they may coordinate. As the Lifeguard team grows, they may fan out around the edge.
7. The round ends on the whistle. The team with more players wins the round. Roles rotate for the next round. Note: ‘Pulled under’ means a gentle grip and a willing slide, not a forceful drag. Staff model and reinforce gentle play.

I-OPt Options Start:

• A (Active): Volunteer as first Shark or Lifeguard.
• S (Support): Sit at the edge and help hold the parachute steady.
• Q (Quiet): Sit at the edge with legs out, watching the fabric for movement.
• O (Observer): Sit just outside the circle as a round counter or timekeeper.

Mid:

• A (Active): Move under the parachute as a Shark or rescue as a Lifeguard.
• S (Support): Coordinate with teammates quietly (hand signals work great).
• Q (Quiet): Stay still at the edge. Your stillness is a valid strategy.
• O (Observer): Track how many are on each team. Report to staff at the whistle.

Late:

• A (Active): Sprint to rescue or strategise as a growing Shark team.
• S (Support): Help a teammate who is nervous about going under.
• Q (Quiet): Choose to stay at the edge the whole round. That is a valid choice.
• O (Observer): Prepare to announce the team count at the end.

End:

• A (Active): Celebrate and swap into a new role for the next round.
• S (Support): Help reset the parachute and count wristbands.
• Q (Quiet): Rest and decide whether to rotate roles or stay in the same one.
• O (Observer): Share what you noticed about how each team worked together.

Inclusion Adaptations

• Players who prefer not to go under the parachute can hold the edge the whole game. Their stillness or movement gives real information to everyone else, making them a genuine part of the strategy.
• For players with light-sensitivity or claustrophobia concerns, the Lifeguard and edge-holder roles keep them fully in the game above the fabric.
• Coloured wristbands or bandanas make team identification easy without calling out individuals.
• Staff should be aware of campers who may find unexpected ankle contact startling. The Shark’s grip can be replaced with a light tap on the foot.

Stewardship Moment

• Before packing up, each player picks up any items that slipped under the parachute.
• Ask: ‘Parachutes like this last for decades when we take care of them. What can we do to keep ours in great shape?’

Consent

• Pre-brief: ‘This game involves someone under the parachute gently touching feet or ankles. For those not comfortable with that kind of contact, holding the edge or standing as a Lifeguard are both full roles in this game.’
• Mid-game check: After one round, pause. ‘Thumbs up, sideways, or down. How is everyone feeling? We can adjust roles at any time.’
• Opt-out and re-entry: Raise both hands to pause your involvement at any point. Call ‘In!’ when ready to re-join.

Risks and Mitigation

• Rough pulling: Reinforce before play that the Shark signals with a gentle grip only. Staff model this in the demo round.
• Bumped heads under the parachute: Sharks move slowly and communicate quietly with teammates.
• Overheating under the parachute: Keep rounds short (3-5 minutes). Whistle to pause if anyone calls out.
• Tripping when standing after being rescued: Players slide out slowly. Staff remind players not to leap up quickly.

Warm-Up Suggestions

• ‘Parachute Popcorn’: Everyone shakes the parachute to pop lightweight balls. Gets hands and energy engaged.
• ‘Colour Wave’: Staff calls a colour on the parachute. Players standing on that colour swap spots while others ripple the fabric.

Debrief Questions

• What? ‘What was it like to be under the parachute or to watch from the outside?’
• So What? ‘How did your team get better at working together as the round went on?’
• Now What? ‘Where else in your life do you play a support role for someone, or rescue someone who needs help?’

Cleanup and Reset

• Fold the parachute together as a group.
• Collect wristbands or bandanas and return to storage.
• Scan the floor for any items that slipped underneath.